Leaving - do your research

I'm sad to say that I am leaving this board.  It has been part of my band journey since 2004.

I hope you read this quickly because this post will magically disappear shortly.  Just like the others.

The band is not the least invasive surgical weight loss.  It is as invasive in your body POST-OP as any of the others.  While the others intentionally alter your body, often times the band unintentionally does so.  Erosions, slippage, esophageal dilation - these are not small issues.  And they happen far more frequently than the Band Mill Physicians will like to tell you.  I was banded at the same time as my mother-in-law, a friend, and 6 others from my pre-op group.  Each of us has had significant permanent damage done to us by the band.  My esophagus no longer functions properly.  My friend had the band erode through her stomach so much so that she needed emergency surgery and almost died.  My mother in law, at 71 years old, now has to have her slipped band and migrated port surgically removed. 

I'd also like to add that none of us lost substantial amounts of weight.

No, it was not my fault.  I was a perfect bandster.  I followed all the ruled, watched my diet closely.  But I only lost and maintained 30 lbs.  I did not fail, it failed me.

There are other options for you.   Don't be lured into thinking that this is "safer" or reversible.  IT IS NOT REVERSIBLE.    It is removable, in most cases.  But if you're doing this with the idea that "I like it because it's reversable" you are not going into this for the right reasons.

Do your research.  Go on PubMed.  Seek out information on ALL the surgeries - sleeve, RNY, DS.  Then if it's right for you, God bless.  

Personally, I think they are a ticking time bomb surgically implanted in your chest.  But your choices are for you.

Don't let the folks who have done well tell you they are the norm.  They are not.

Because this board is corporately sponsored by band mills, they actively censor posts like these oftentimes.  Also, they will now post these messages about private matters on facebook.  Which is why I'm choosing to leave.  Many of the vets of this and other surgeries are at another board as well.

I've been a member here for a long time.  I'll miss you all.  Best of luck on your journey.   xoxoxoxo

Hugs! I wish you would stay. Pre-ops need to know what the band is REALLY like and although some are successful with the band.........far more are NOT! The band failes.........and it fails OFTEN!

If you haven't already.......please join us on the failed band forum on Facebook. The link is below.

I would also like to add to the other bandsters reading this post that I think it is sad that this bandster with a failed band was NOT able to get any "support"! She posted this 6 hours ago. You can claim it to be a "support" forum all you want.........but until you actually start supporting ALL  bandsters......it is NOT a support forum! :-(

Maria,
This bandster said that they are leaving .. As in gone ... As in no way to offer support to them on this forum.

I support a lot of people who have had band issues ... Your remarks are mean-spirited and out of line.

But you can see that it's not showing as deactivated yet, thereforere..............I would think others might see the need to reach out and SUPPORT her! Aparantly not the case though.

Yes I do realize you  have supported many with band issues. The post was not directed at you directly. However it is a common occurance for those having band issues to not get support. Considering that is the case............and that 75 or 85 people had read her post and not one had posted to offer support.............I don't feel that my comment was mean-spirited or out of line.

Oh, for crying out loud, Maria. When the OP made this post, I was at work, where I have limited internet access and would be fired if I got caught visiting OH. When I got home at 9:30 pm, I was too tired to sit at the computer and read forum posts. I suspect that hundreds of other OH members missed the post because they were out living their lives. Perhaps you can't grasp the concept of having a life?

As for the members *****ad the post and didn't comment, it's quite possible they didn't know what to say. Besides, it's your job to do the "You poor thing, the band sucks," speech.

Jean

 

I agree with your assessment of the lapband. It's not reversible, that's for sure. It's not safer or less invasive, either. But it sure has some really great advertising. I can't say I was really swayed by the advertising since when I had my lapband surgery, they weren't advertising it yet. But I believed my doctor when he told me it was a good solution. I learned the hard way that some doctors will say anything to start making money hand over fist.

Good luck to you.

 Ian so confused since EVERY surgery has its OWN risk and a majority of people would hopefully seek guidance and do their research before deciding on a surgery that they felt was comfortable for them what was the purpose I'd the original posting?  I don't get it?  What works for one may not work for another. 

So...in a nutshell to sum it up what you are saying is that to warn other people that if you don't exercise and abuse your band by keeping it too tight until it almost kills you, the lap band therefore is considered not as safe as they advertise it to be and can be a very dangerous procedure...I totally agree.

But what about those people who surgeons install it properly and patients follow all post op rules, exercise and keep their band adjusted properly, for them it IS the most least invasive procedure and those who exercise and follow a proper diet usually lose all or most of their weight too.

Good luck on your revision to a very safe Sleeve, RNY or DS...lol.

Bye bye